I am looking for some good options for summits close to the front range to stay in shape on this winter.

I would love any ideas, but ideally I would like

Max 1.5 hr drive from Denver

Low avy danger (I do not have a beacon)

6-12 miles round trip from winter trail head

reasonably easy TH access (I have a 4 runner)

To climb is to push yourself in a way you might not normally imagine is possible. If your stamina, skill, and luck are sound you will get to stand on top. ... I realized that with climbing, I'd found something that nourished my soul and could forge me into a better version myself - Jim Davidson

From the ones I've done, Grizzly peak D & Cupid (from Loveland pass), James Peak (from St. Mary's glacier), Silverheels, Hoosier Ridge (both from Hoosier Pass) seem to fit the bill. I am sure there are many more out there.

Last edited by SnowAlien on Tue Oct 30, 2012 11:34 am, edited 1 time in total.

• It's by getting away from life that we can see it most clearly... It's by depriving ourselves of the myriad of everyday experiences that we renew our appreciation for them...I've learned from my experiences in the mountains that I love life. — Dave Johnston• Mountains are not climbed merely to reach a geographical location — but as personal and spiritual challenges to the participants. — David Stein • The best climber in the world is the one who’s having the most fun.— Alex Lowe• Why do I climb the mountain? Because I'm in love! — The Captain

Bummer. Monster 5 informed me of the closure of Woods Creek Rd unil next Spring due to Urad mining activity/construction.

Construction project occurring along the URAD / Woods Creek RoadPlease be advised that the Climax Molybdenum Company has a construction project occurring along the URAD / Woods Creek road throughout the summer of 2012.Because of this construction project, there will be no public access to Upper URAD Reservoir through the URAD Valley until spring of 2013. Access will be restricted to authorized personnel only beginning June 4, 2012. No camping is allowed on Climax lands or rights of way, and any vehicles preventing gate access will be towed at owners expense.

Guess I'll have to do this one from I-70 this Winter.

• It's by getting away from life that we can see it most clearly... It's by depriving ourselves of the myriad of everyday experiences that we renew our appreciation for them...I've learned from my experiences in the mountains that I love life. — Dave Johnston• Mountains are not climbed merely to reach a geographical location — but as personal and spiritual challenges to the participants. — David Stein • The best climber in the world is the one who’s having the most fun.— Alex Lowe• Why do I climb the mountain? Because I'm in love! — The Captain

If I recall correctly, the route from I70 (Waltrous gulch, I believe) crosses a couple avy paths en route to Parnassus. You may encounter deep postholing too. Certainly keep an eye on amount of snow in that basin.

nkan02 wrote:If I recall correctly, the route from I70 (Waltrous gulch, I believe) crosses a couple avy paths en route to Parnassus. You may encounter deep postholing too. Certainly keep an eye on amount of snow in that basin.

Depending on conditions, I'd probably head up the SE ridge of PT12,805 and hit it first to avoid those avy paths and then traverse to Woods/Parnassus/Bard. We'll see what this Winter brings!

• It's by getting away from life that we can see it most clearly... It's by depriving ourselves of the myriad of everyday experiences that we renew our appreciation for them...I've learned from my experiences in the mountains that I love life. — Dave Johnston• Mountains are not climbed merely to reach a geographical location — but as personal and spiritual challenges to the participants. — David Stein • The best climber in the world is the one who’s having the most fun.— Alex Lowe• Why do I climb the mountain? Because I'm in love! — The Captain

Not Front Range, and it is at the upper limit of 1.5hr drive time, but the West Ridge of Atlantic is a fun one. Mayflower Gulch TH is at 11,000ft. Plus if you get to Atlantic's summit for sunrise you get this incredible view.

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• It's by getting away from life that we can see it most clearly... It's by depriving ourselves of the myriad of everyday experiences that we renew our appreciation for them...I've learned from my experiences in the mountains that I love life. — Dave Johnston• Mountains are not climbed merely to reach a geographical location — but as personal and spiritual challenges to the participants. — David Stein • The best climber in the world is the one who’s having the most fun.— Alex Lowe• Why do I climb the mountain? Because I'm in love! — The Captain

I see you live in Castle Rock. If you do not need a "big mountain, high altitude experience"...and are just looking for a quick calorie burn to keep in shape...consider Mt. Herman, right here in Monument. It is my "go to" mountain when I want to stretch out the legs. I've climbed it somewhere between 30 or 40 times...lost count. All the maps and books list only one trail... the standard trail from up Mt. Herman Rd. Avoid that ... it is too easy, as you drive off half the elevation gain. I have sniffed out 10 different routes. That keeps it fresh. The ones from the east side are the best. Short but plenty steep. 1,700 verts in a mile. Some offer a little scrambling. You have to poke around a bit to find them, but that just adds to the fun. There are options in the area to add verts and or mileage for a bigger workout. It is a great little mountain to climb for a quick fix, that doesn't consume more than half a day.